manhattan clam chowder

Ingredients

• 1 stalk celery, diced
• 1 - carrot, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon bacon (turkey is fine)
• 2 - bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pinch thyme
• 1 bottle clam juice
• 1 can minced clams with juice
• 1 can tomatoes, diced
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• - salt/pepper
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 - potato, diced